The Best Christian Books Every Christian Should Read

So many books published every year. How can you know what the best Christian books are?

I believe that reading books written by other, wiser Christians is one of the most effective ways to grow as a Christian. But with millions of books available and thousands more being written every year, how can you know which ones to read?

In order to help you, I compiled a list of 50 books I think that every Christian should read. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, and there are many others that should be on the list, but this should get you started.

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney – A rich Christian life doesn’t come without discipline, and in this book Donald Whitney examines many different disciplines for the Christian life, such as Bible reading, prayer, journaling, fasting, and solitude.

Spurgeon: A New Biography by Arnold Dallimore – Charles Spurgeon was a giant of the Christian faith, and this biography will stir you to love God, pursue God, and trust in God like Spurgeon.

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton – Few people had as much influence on modern Christianity than Martin Luther. Bainton’s biography is accessible to readers without dumbing things down or glossing over important details.

Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot – This is the classic missionary biography, containing the oft repeated line, “He is no fool to give up what he cannot gain in order to get what he cannot lose.”

Church History in Plain Language: Fourth Edition by Bruce Shelley – Want to learn about church history but feel intimidated by trying to read the early church fathers? Bruce Shelley puts church history into easy, accessible church language. The perfect starter for anyone trying to bone up on history.

The Best Christian Books On GENERAL THEOLOGY

Heaven by Randy Alcorn – Given the fact that we will spend eternity in heaven, we should know at least something of what it will be like. Randy Alcorn answers many common questions about heaven and paints a biblical picture of what eternity will be like.

The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made by Mark Dever – The Old Testament can be a very confusing place. In this book, Mark Dever provides a short, yet very helpful overview of every book in the Old Testament, making this a key tool for your personal Bible study.

Finally Alive by John Piper – The phrase “born again” has been blurred and even distorted in our culture. In this book John Piper explains the real meaning of what it means to be born again.

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul – This is not a safe book. If you read it you will find yourself trembling before the holiness of God.

Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul – Have you ever struggled with the doctrine of election? In this book, R.C. Sproul dispels common myths about election and shows how it is actually a very glorious doctrine.

The Cross of Christ by John Stott – The cross is the centerpiece of Christianity, and as you read this book you will find yourself amazed at what God has done through the cross and incredibly grateful for the cross.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis – I could recommend a lot of different books by C.S. Lewis, but this one is probably my favorite. Written as a conversation between a senior demon and a younger demon, it provides fascinating insights into the ways of Satan.

Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God by Tim Keller – This is one of those rare books that is not only incredibly edifying to the believer, but also an excellent book to give out to unbelievers. Keller has a way of mixing pop culture, philosophers, and the Word of God to create a compelling picture of Jesus Christ.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis – Lewis offers a classic defense of the Christian faith, offering up some of the most memorable paragraphs, such the, “Lord, liar, lunatic,” trilemma.

Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity by Tim Challies – Tim is one of the most productive guys I know. He blogs, writes, reads, and maintains a normal life, all at the same time. There are few guys I would trust more on the subject of productivity.

CONCLUSION

There are lots of other books that could have ended up on this list, but this should keep you going for the next 10 years or so, unless you happen to be a really fast reader! Plus, every year more books can be added to this list of the best Christian books.